Graham Smyth has replied to Leeds United fans’ concerns regarding Crysencio Summerville’s impending exit to West Ham United.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter answered to fans on his X account on August 2, including several who were anxious about the absence of news surrounding Summerville’s replacement.
Leeds are likely to collect £25 million plus add-ons for the Dutch winger [Dharmesh Sheth, 2 August], making him the second important departure from Elland Road this summer after Archie Gray moved to Tottenham Hotspur.
When asked if the absence of speculations coming out of Elland Road about prospective players was “worrying,” Smyth responded: “Someone high up recently told me: ‘We don’t say anything because if we do, it can impact other things we’re trying to do.'”
“They don’t understand the value of releasing information. Gone are the days when owners texted transfer journalists. However, they were prepared for the CS exit. So, let’s see.
Leeds is working on a substitute for Crysencio Summerville.
Leeds’ Championship play-off final loss to Southampton cost the club two key players, as the Whites were among numerous teams affected by Profit and Sustainability restrictions this summer.
Leeds were hesitant to accept that one major departure was required this summer to stay within PSR’s financial constraints, but that doesn’t change the fact that Summerville’s impending sale has put Daniel Farke in a difficult position with the Championship opener against Portsmouth just over a week away.
Summerville scored 19 goals and assisted nine times in the second tier last season, so replacing his goal output this late in the transfer window is a difficult order for the team.
Farke does have others who can fill the vacuum left by last season’s Championship Player of the Year, but this should only be considered a temporary solution until an appropriate replacement is found.
However, Leeds will have prepared for this situation. The club missed out on the Premier League’s riches last season and will have been aware that top-tier teams would be vying for their prized assets.
Smyth has given encouragement to Leeds fans who are concerned about their chances this season, but they still have one of the strongest teams in the division and a well-known name in world football. After all, Farke shouldn’t need much convincing to bring in a top-tier replacement for Summerville.
